"Aunty Nona," revered as a guardian of Hawaiian culture, receives lei from Kamehameha Schools students. Photos by Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Winona "Aunty Nona" Beamer reacts to a standing ovation today during a presentation in her honor at Kamehameha Schools.

At a tea party in honor of school trustees 67 years ago, the freshman stood to dance as she chanted "Oli Aloha." But in those days standing hula was banned by the school and young Nona was unceremoniously expelled for what was considered then a "vulgar" and "lascivious" performance.

The administration at the time soon readmitted Beamer, but the incident is still legend. This week the school, where Beamer later worked as a cultural specialist until her retirement in 1987, demonstrated how much times have changed.

Beamer spent several days meeting with Hawaiian language students on the Kapalama campus, students who today draped her in lei, a thank-you for her courageous defense of Hawaiian culture through the years.

"It's been so inspiring to me and so humbling," Beamer said today referring to the Hawaiian language students she has met. "They're warm, their sincerity ... they just come up to me like I was their real aunty.

"And the family resemblances — I recognize them because of their parents. I say 'You're the Kamakas aren't you?' And they say 'Yes.'"

After being honored at the ceremony, Beamer turned around and bestowed an honor on upper-level Hawaiian language students, those who have persevered in studying the native tongue, despite pressures to follow other academic paths, said teacher Kawika Eyre.

Beamer presented each one with a badge of honor — pins bearing the likeness of the school founder, Pauahi Bishop.

"Like Aunty Nona, they're being honored for their commitment to the culture," Eyre said.